This year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards took place on Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida.

Despite the red carpet being moved indoors due to Hurricane Ian, the show was full of memorable pop culture moments. From this year’s top winners to Elvis Crespo’s merengue-infused version of Bad Bunny’s “Neverita,” here are three highlights from the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Xtina’s “La Reina” Performance

Dressed in a black latex gown and her hair in braids, Christina Aguilera belted out her ranchera anthem “La Reina,” showing everyone why she is queen. Following her mesmerizing performance, Aguilera was honored with the Spirit of Hope award, which recognized her philanthropic and humanitarian contributions outside of her music.

“You guys are the best. Thank you so much for being a part of this record, a part of my family,” Aguilera said. “So nice to be part of a room that actually knows how to say my name correctly and beautifully.” 

Earlier in the day, Aguilera had released her EP “La Luz,” which she called “one of the most personal projects” she’s ever worked on. Aguilera released her first Spanish-language album "Mi Reflejo" in 2001.

She won the Latin Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Album. This time around, the singer received seven 2022 Latin Grammy nominations for her album “Aguilera.”

Bad Bunny Dominates 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards 

Bad Bunny won a leading nine 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards Thursday in Fla., earning the honors for Artist of the Year; Songwriter of the Year; Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male; Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male; Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Solo and Tour of the Year.

His album “Un Verano Sin Ti,” the longest-running album at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 so far this year, was awarded Top Latin Album of the Year and Latin Rhythm Album of the Year, and his song "Volví" was voted Tropical Song of the Year. It’s only fitting the reggaeton superstar was honored with his own official day Oct. 1 in Los Angeles, leaving a mark everywhere that he goes. 

Elvis Crespo Gives Bad Bunny’s ‘La Neverita’ a Merengue Twist 

Rocking a Matrix-inspired outfit, Elvis Crespo surprised fans with a merengue version of Bad Bunny’s “La Neverita,” a track from his Billboard 200-topping album “Un Verano Sin Ti.” He then followed with his timeless hit “Suavemente,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart dated May 16, 1998, where it spent six weeks at the top, according to Billboard.

Crespo’s twist on “La Neverita” came as a response to Bad Bunny’s homage to Crespo’s music video for “Suavemente,” released in 1998, with its green-screen images, bright colors, and iconic, high-energy moves.

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Nancy Sanchez-Diaz

Content Creator / Writer; CHARTIN Music